Five Ups Menzies to Head of Features

LONDON, October 19: As one
of several changes within its programming department, British broadcaster Five
has named Alex Menzies, currently the deputy controller of features, as its new
head of features.

Menzies joined Five in
July 2005 after ten years of working in production. At Five he has overseen
series such as The Hotel Inspector,
All New Cosmetic Surgery Live
and How To Be A Property Developer,
as well as numerous one-off programs.

“Alex is a supremely
talented commissioning editor with a proven track record in features and a real
flair for formatting,” said Jay Hunt, the channel’s director of programs. “I am
delighted he will be leading our search for more brand-defining shows for
Five.”

In other executive
changes, Steve Gowans, currently the head of factual entertainment, will take
on the title of multichannel commissioner, where he will be given additional
responsibility for exploiting the main channel’s content across its digital
offerings, Five Life and Five US.

Kim Peat, controller of
daytime, arts and religion, is leaving Five after nine years, but she will work
with the channel in a consultancy role over the coming months. Responsibility
for daytime will now lie in the factual entertainment department, while
commissioning for arts and religion will be overseen by the incoming head of
factual, Ralph Lee, who is currently the deputy head of factual at Channel 4.

Robi Dutta, currently the
deputy controller of factual, will become commissioning editor in the factual
entertainment and features departments. The changes will take effect early next
month.

Chris Shaw retains his
role as senior program controller and will continue his responsibilities as
head of news, current affairs and documentaries.

—By Ned Berke